St George's Nursing Home

The provider was previously in breach of the legal regulation in relation to good governance. Improvements were not found at this assessment, and the provider remained in breach of good governance. The provider’s governance arrangements did not ensure shortfalls identified by the provider relating to the management of medicines were being actioned. Shortfalls in people’s care planning guidance and information to staff had not been identified by the providers governance arrangements. We found some improvements were needed to ensure there was enough staff to prevent incidents from occurring. We have requested an action plan to check how the provider will address this.

Most people were happy with the care provided to them. People raised with us aspects they were unhappy about such as wanting more equipment, and about there being enough staff to assist people especially at night. We shared this with the registered manager so they could review and follow this up with people.

Staff received training and they felt supported by the management team for the service. There was a variety of daily and weekly meetings for staff including clinical staff. The registered manager and clinical manager supported people with referrals, and when concerns needed to be shared with the local authority safeguarding team. The service had a system where they collated safeguarding concerns, and they were able to confirm actions taken. However, some staff were unfamiliar with who to raise safeguarding concerns with outside of the organisation. The provider ensured safe recruitment procedures were completed for new staff.

Care plans contained important information such as if people had mental capacity, and were person centred including if they wore glasses or had a hearing aid and if they had hobbies and interests. However, some improvements could be made to exploring and documenting any protected characteristics people might have under the Equality Act.

St George’s Nursing Home was accessible for people, clean and tidy and people were observed to use communal areas including the café, dining areas and outside seating areas where they could relax and have visitors. The service had a range of memorabilia including photos and paintings of the local area. People were supported by staff to maximise their full potential by being encouraged to do what they could for themselves. Various activities and events were available to people within the service and in the local community, and we observed people participating in these during our inspection. The activities coordinator was passionate about promoting a range of activities for people to access including those who chose to stay in their rooms.

The chef and kitchen team supported people with freshly cooked meals, snacks and hydrating drink options within the communal areas. These looked appetising and nutritious. We raised with the registered manager during our inspection where people might need assistance to access drinks when these are not within close proximity within their rooms especially during hot weather.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.